A deep dive into the differences between cast and wrought alloys

When looking around for aluminium plate products, you need to be sure they are made of the right alloy. The alloys here are in two groups; wrought and cast. The designations are based on the kind of processing used to produce each. We’re going to dive deeper into these two options to give you a better idea of what you are working with. Then, if you need products like aluminium sawn plate 5754 (H111), you can rely on us.

Cast alloys

These have aluminium as the main metal with additional alloying elements. The impressive characteristics come from the massive presence of silicon in its composition.

This collection of alloys are ones you can separate into non-heat treatable and heat treatable. Also, they come with a comparatively low tensile strength. Despite this, they aid us in creating cost efficient goods.

Some helpful features of cast aluminium alloys are good fluidity and surface finishes. Others are low solubility of gases and melting points, as well as the ability to control grain structure. There is also the ability to strengthen materials through heat treatment.

However, there are some negative features too. For instance, the alloys are vulnerable to shrinkage effects. This is thanks to the high shrinkage characteristics. The alloys have low ductility and are vulnerable to heat cracking too.

Wrought alloys

Wrought products represent roughly 85% of all aluminium alloys. Aluminium sawn plate 5754 (H111) is a good example. We mainly use them for shaping processes like rolling, forging, and extrusions. Again there are heat-treatable and non-heat-treatable options.

The alloying elements like magnesium, zinc, copper, and silicon supply a heat-treatable alloy’s initial strength. You can then strengthen them more via heat treatment.

Non-heat-treatable forms possess alloying elements like magnesium, manganese, and silicon. For these alloys, you can strengthen them through cold working and strain hardening instead of using heat.

Differences

Now, we’ll discuss how the two are different. Cast aluminium is a sort of alloy with casting attributes. As for wrought aluminium, it works for shaping and machining following heat treatment.

There are other differences too. One is the percentage of the alloying elements. Cast aluminium alloys have a bigger percentage of them in its constitution. For wrought, roughly 85% of the make-up is aluminium.

Another difference lies with the external and internal defects. Wrought aluminium alloys tend to be free of both. However, cast aluminium alloys could include them.

Then there is the melting point. Cast aluminium’s, plate included, is low. This offers uses high cost effectiveness. With wrought aluminium, it is the opposite. Talk to us if you need aluminium sawn plate 5754 (H111) products.

With tensile strength, you need to check each alloy closely. Generally wrought aluminium exceeds the strength of its counterpart.

For thickness, cast aluminium alloys tend to be heavier and thicker. Wrought alloys can be found down to a foil thickness.

Then there is precision. Wrought aluminium’s capacity to be processed allows it to undergo grinding, drilling, milling and more. So, it works for precision parts and dimensional accuracy.

Numbering system

For aluminium alloys, there are two numbering systems. The categorising of the alloys makes use of a familiar four-digit number system. Said system is employed for the classification of wrought alloys as well as some cast plates.

The classification for alloys used in the production of cast aluminium parts differs. This system does use four digits. However, there is a decimal point included between digits three and four. At times, cast alloys receive three numbers for their classification as the decimal is often zero.

Applications

You can cast aluminium alloys in an array of shapes and they have a smaller price per pound. With wrought aluminium, it is superior for processing. This is because it has better mechanical features. High-end applications in aviation and aerospace use it.

Because of the separate performance abilities between wrought and cast alloys, they work for individual applications. You can see wrought aluminium in many elements of the ship building and construction industries. Other uses include propeller blades, landing gear parts, engine plates, impellers, and airframes.

Cast aluminium alloys serve the construction, automotive, and agricultural industries. You can use them for farm equipment, supercharger pumps, window fittings, turbine blades, and engine boxes.

Work with us if you need aluminium sawn plate 5754 (H111)

At Brindley Metals, we aim to offer first rate products. At the same time, we work to have them delivered quickly. We can even arrange services to process materials in a variety of ways if you need something other than the raw materials.

As experts in our field, you can rely on us to deliver aluminium sawn plate 5754 (H111) and other products. So, if you need our help, feel free to get in touch.

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